Ebbing Tides Washcloth – Free Crochet Pattern
This free washcloth crochet pattern uses some beautiful simple cabling techniques to create a stunning textured washcloth.
One of the things that I love about crochet is how a small handful of basic stitches can create such beautiful textures just through the way they are ordered and the placement of the stitches. The combinations of these stitches are endless and they can really stop you in your tracks.
My Ebbing tides washcloth may be a free washcloth crochet pattern but I love how the stitches work together to create this cabled look that isn’t too complicated. It makes it a great introduction to cabling and a super quick project to try it out with.
Inspiration behind the design
Back in the summer of 2022 I came up with an idea of designing a washcloth crochet pattern for each day of a month. I wanted release them each day on my blog with an accompanying video.
This didn’t happen as I had planned due to a close family bereavement. So the idea was parked until March 2023. I still plan on doing this – so keep your eyes peeled for this stitch along starting March 1st 2023.
Anyway, when Michelle of Two Brothers Blankets invited me to join her washcloth event in January 2023 there really was no reason to say no! I had the washcloths, the patterns were written so it was a win-win. Plenty of time to create another 2 washcloth crochet patterns before March!
This was the first washcloth I chose for Michelle’s event. To get your Free PDF Pattern please scroll to the bottom of this post!!
You can see from the photos why I called this one the Ebbing Tides Washcloth! The cabling here really does look like waves. As I live right on the beach here in the North-East of England, UK, this was very fitting.
Construction of the design
This washcloth crochet pattern is worked in rows with the cables zig-zagging up as you work. The washcloth is finished off with a couple of rounds to edge it. Although my washcloth didn’t need an edging, with cabling pieces like this I do think it just adds a finishing touch.
The Yarn
As with all washcloths, I would always recommend that you use cotton (or a high cotton content blend) yarn. There are several reasons for this:
- Cotton is much more durable than acrylic
- It can be washed at higher temperatures and tumble dried if required so is more hygienic
- Cotton items tend to last longer because they are more durable and easy to wash
- Cotton looks great for much longer than acrylic yarn does – it tends to hold its colour better, doesn’t wear as easily, does not bobble, and will not shrink (worst case you give it a bit of an iron and it’s back good as new).
So when you keep all of these in mind and compare yard for yard the price of a cotton vs acrylic yarn you really do get more for your money with cotton when you factor in durability and ease of care.
Get the PDF pattern!
You can find the ad-free PDF Pattern for this one in all of my shops:
Please Note: if you are here for the Winter Washcloth Series blog hop please keep scrolling – these buttons WILL NOT get you the free PDF pattern!
Get the supplies I recommend!
There are several types of #4 weight (aran) cotton that I have personally used for washcloths and would recommend. You can get them by clicking the images below! (Note: each link is an affiliate link, with which I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you.)
The pattern specifics:
Materials:
| · #4 weight cotton of your choosing – you will need approx. 70 yards · 5mm hook · Stitch markers (optional) · Scissors · Tapestry needle |
Gauge:
| 18 sts and 7 rows of pattern = 4” – although as a washcloth crochet pattern gauge is not particularly important! |
Sizing:
Your completed washcloth will be approximately 8.5” square if you meet my gauge
Abbreviations used:
| · Ch(s)–chain(s) · St(s)–stitch(es) · rep–repeat · sk—skip · FSC – foundation single crochet · SC – single crochet · DC – double crochet · TC – treble crochet · YO—yarn over · FO—fasten off |
Other notes:
| · Written in US terms. · Ch1 stitches at the beginning do not count as a st unless otherwise stated. Ch 3 sts at the beginning of a row count as a DC. · The stitch count is in parenthesis at the end of each row and remains the same in each row. |
Special Stitches used in this washcloth crochet pattern:
Treble Crochet : YO twice, insert hook into indicated stitch, YO and pull through, *YO and pull through 2 loops on hook. Rep from * twice more.
Video tutorials:
I have a full video tutorial available for this pattern for both right and left handed crocheters!
The Pattern:
** This is a free pattern on the blog. Please do not copy and paste any part of it or print this pattern out. Please bookmark this page and use the website to work up your pattern. This helps my small business greatly as it provides a little bit of ad revenue which will in turn will allow me to continue to create free content for you!**
Row 1 – FSC 32. OR CH 33, sc in second CH from hook and each CH across. (32)
Row 2 – Turn, Ch 3, DC in next st, *sk next 2 sts, TC in next 2 sts, working in front of
the TCs you have just made TC in the 2 skipped sts, DC in next 2 sts. Rep from * across. (32)
Row 3- Turn, Ch 3, DC in next st, *sk next 2 sts, TC in next 2 sts, working behind
the TCs you have just made TC in the 2 skipped sts, DC in next 2 sts. Rep from * across. (32)
Rows 4-13 – Rep Rows 2 and 3.
Row 14 – Turn, Ch1, SC in each st across. (32)
For the edging (optional)
Round 1:
Step 1: Turn, CH1, sc in each st across until you have 1 st remaining.
Step 2: Work 3SC in the final st and turn your washcloth 90 degrees so you are
working down the next side.
Step 3: SC 31 evenly down the side of your washcloth until you have 1 st remaining.
Step 4: Rep steps 2 and 3 all of the way around your washcloth. SS to join.
Round 2: Work 1 SC into each st around making sure to work 3sc into the second of each of your 3SC corners from the previous round.
FO and weave in ends.
Winter Washcloth Series Blog Hop:
This washcloth crochet pattern as originally designed as part of the Winter Washcloth Series hosted by Michelle from Two Brothers Blankets.
Although the free portion of this event has now ended, you can still purchase the inexpensive bundle which contains all of the washcloths in this event. This means you can start working on your favourites now! Click the ‘Buy the Bundle’ button below.
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